When people think about Humboldt County, what comes to mind? (No, not pot!) Redwoods - the tree that brought lumber prosperity and later the economic boom of tourism. But there is another less iconic tree that gave Humboldt early prosperity. Tanoaks!

        At the Historical Society bookstore, we have many books about all aspects of the redwoods: botanical, logging, milling and preservation. Yet we also have a worthy book about tanoaks: "An Environmental History of a Pacific Coast Hardwood" by Frederica Bowcutt.

       This well-researched book begins with the botanical basics then goes into the tree's integral role in local indigenous life.  The highly nutritious acorn was a staple in tribal lives and cultures throughout California.  

        Then with the arrival of Euro-Americans, the tree was valued for its bark rich in the tannic acid needed for tanning leather. It was hauled along rough trails to the coast to be shipped to prosperous (if smelly) San Francisco tanneries. We next learn how tanoak trees faced the threats of disease, pesticides, and over logging to eventually benefit from environmental activism and increased interest in indigenous life ways.

       This book is full of interesting illustrations and extensive notes, and is an important addition to our bookshelves covering the history and nature of Humboldt County.